What is a significant risk of exposure to radon gas?

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes, especially in basements and lower levels. The most significant health risk associated with radon exposure is its potential to cause respiratory diseases, particularly lung cancer. This risk arises because radon decay products can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to cellular damage that may ultimately result in cancer.

While heart attacks, strokes, and bone marrow diseases are serious health concerns, they are not directly linked to radon exposure in the same way that respiratory diseases are. The primary concern with radon is its carcinogenic properties related to lung health, making respiratory diseases the most pressing risk associated with long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon in indoor air.